Truths and Myths About Fuel Type, Gas Consumption, and Vehicle Efficiency

Fuel type, gas consumption, and vehicle efficiency are hot topics for many drivers—especially with fluctuating fuel prices and the growing popularity of eco-friendly vehicles. Unfortunately, plenty of outdated advice and common myths can make it harder to make informed decisions when buying or using a vehicle. At Groupe Park Avenue, our goal is to provide clear, reliable information to help drivers make confident, informed choices.

Myth #1: Premium Gas Is Always Better for Your Engine

Truth:
Most vehicles on Canadian roads are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded gasoline. Using premium fuel in a car that doesn’t require it rarely offers any real benefit in terms of performance or fuel economy. The exception? High-performance or turbocharged engines where the manufacturer specifically recommends premium fuel. Always check your owner’s manual—otherwise, using premium unnecessarily just means paying more for the same results.

Myth #2: Smaller Cars Are Always More Fuel-Efficient

Truth:
Compact cars are generally more fuel-efficient than large SUVs or trucks, but thanks to modern technology, many mid-size SUVs, crossovers, and even pickups now offer surprisingly good fuel economy. Turbocharged engines, hybrid systems, and advanced transmissions allow some mid-size models to match the fuel consumption of compact cars from just a few years ago. That’s why it’s important to compare the official fuel economy ratings for each vehicle you're considering.

Myth #3: Manual Transmissions Use Less Fuel

Truth:
This used to be true 10 or 20 years ago, but today’s automatic transmissions have come a long way. Many feature more gears and sophisticated electronic controls that optimize engine performance—often better than the average driver can achieve with a manual. In most modern vehicles, the fuel consumption difference is negligible, and in some cases, automatics may even be more efficient.

Myth #4: Warming Up Your Car Saves Fuel

Truth:
Letting your car idle for long periods—especially in winter—actually wastes fuel and doesn’t improve engine performance. Modern engines are built to be driven gently shortly after startup, even in cold weather. Idling for several minutes only increases fuel use and emissions. The best approach? Start your car, wait about 30 seconds, and then drive calmly to allow the engine to warm up efficiently.

Myth #5: All-Wheel Drive Uses Much More Fuel

Truth:
All-wheel drive (AWD) systems do use a bit more fuel due to added weight and drivetrain complexity. However, the difference is often smaller than expected—sometimes just half a litre more per 100 km compared to a front- or rear-wheel-drive version. If you regularly face tough road conditions or want added safety and traction, the trade-off can be well worth it. Always compare the official fuel economy ratings for both versions when making a decision.

Myth #6: It’s Always Better to Keep the Windows Closed Than Use the A/C

Truth:
Both open windows and air conditioning can increase fuel consumption, but the actual difference is usually minor. At highway speeds, open windows create aerodynamic drag that can slightly raise fuel use—sometimes more than using the A/C. In city driving, A/C tends to have a bigger impact. Ultimately, comfort and safety should come first, so feel free to use your air conditioning when needed.

What Really Affects Fuel Efficiency

Your Driving Habits

How you drive has one of the biggest impacts on fuel consumption. Smooth acceleration, gradual braking, and maintaining a steady speed can significantly reduce fuel use. Aggressive driving—like hard starts, speeding, and sudden braking—burns more gas.

Vehicle Maintenance

A well-maintained vehicle runs more efficiently. Regularly check tire pressure, use the manufacturer-recommended oil, and replace the air filter and spark plugs as needed to keep everything running smoothly.

Extra Weight and Roof Accessories

Carrying heavy loads or using roof-mounted carriers increases weight and aerodynamic drag, which can boost fuel consumption. If you’re not using them, remove them.

Type of Tires

Winter and off-road tires provide better traction but also increase rolling resistance, which can raise fuel use compared to summer or low-resistance tires.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of myths out there about fuel, vehicle efficiency, and automotive technology. The best strategy is to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, drive smoothly, and stay on top of maintenance. When shopping for a new vehicle, compare real-world fuel consumption ratings and think carefully about your everyday driving needs.

At Groupe Park Avenue, we’re always here to answer your questions and help you make informed, confident choices about your next vehicle.